MURPHY, Idaho — Owyhee County residents now have the option to text 911 in case of an emergency.
Owyhee County joins at least nine other Idaho counties currently using the service.
County officials say the feature is primarily for those with hearing and speech impairments and should not be used as a substitute for calling 911.
Only active cell phones with data plans will be able to use this service.
If you do send a text, make sure you include the exact location of your emergency.
Right now, the 911 text feature cannot pinpoint your exact location on its own.
Owyhee County says if you can call, do so. That's still best way to get help.
